For anyone dealing with OCD, whether you have it yourself, or are trying to be understanding and supportive of someone you know, this is a must read!
1. AN INVALUABLE, DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE ILLNESS. This information includes an extensive definition of the illness and its symptoms. As is found throughout all of the book, the language is in laymen's terms so that all can learn from the information. 2. PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS. These are placed in various parts of the book to help sufferers and their loved ones better relate to the illness. 3. EXPLANATION OF TREATMENT OPTIONS. There is a very exptensive discussion of various treatment options and how they work. Once again, this is written in a language everyone can understand. 4. EXERCISES TO ASSIST IN TREATMENT. This is probably the most important and unique aspect of the book. As the name of the book suggests, this is a WORKBOOK that offers the reader the opportunity to stop and examine his or her personal situation. By actually writing answers to these exercises, a unique insight into how a person can tackle OCD or how a loved one can be helped is offered. Journalizing is often important in treatment and this book helps a person to do this in an orderly and non-intimidating manner. 5.IDEAS ON HOW TO HANDLE RELAPSES. Unfortunatley, those who are successful with treatment may very well have relapses. It is important to know that this is not a "weakness" or a situation in which a person is not "trying hard enough to get better". It is invaluable for those who have OCD to know that they are not alone even in the face of relapses. I do not remember a book that has handled the topic of relapses in such a positive way; not as a failure, but as a fact of life. The book offers many ways to help a sufferer and his or her family through these times.
In addition to these five areas, the book is very well laid out in an easy-to-read fashion. It is, as I said previously, thorough in its discussion of all facets of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and also related disorders.
We are using THE OCD WORKBOOK:Your Guide to Breaking Free From Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as a tool in our support group meetings. By exploring the book as a group, together, the members are beginning to be more open, more informed about the illness, better able to have new coping skills and are more "bonded" as a group.
I highly recommend THE OCD WORKBOOK:Your Guide to Breaking Free From Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to anyone who has OCD, cares about someone who does, or just wants to learn more about the illness. I thank Dr. Hyman and Ms. Pedrick for bring this workbook to us.
Janis D. McClure, Founder and President The Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation of Jacksonville, Inc.